Presently, people are becoming more aware that this is a natural, safe and effective therapeutic approach to pain relief and related functional recovery. Patients suffering from pain, particularly the chronic type, who are not treated effectively, or those who have found themselves too dependent upon drugs for pain relief could benefit greatly from Acupuncture and other alternative therapies. The goal of pain management treatment is to restore the body function, enabling individuals to work, attend school or participate in other day-to-day activities, and reconstruct one’s normal life.

What is infertility?

Infertility is defined as lack of conception despite unprotected sexual intercourse for at least 12 months. It has a profound emotional, psychological and economic impact on affected couples.

When should I get tested for infertility?

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine recommends that women under 35 begin testing after trying to conceive unsuccessfully for 12 months. The recommendation for women over 35 is to begin testing after trying to conceive for 6 months without success.

How is infertility diagnosed?

The fertility experts will conduct a physical examination of both partners to evaluate physical disorders that may be causing infertility. Specific investigations and assessments may also be carried out. For male clients, a semen analysis is the initial diagnostic study conducted. For female clients, diagnostic tests usually include ovulation analysis, hormonal assessments, evaluation of uterine structures and tubal patency by hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy.

What could be causing my infertility?

There are numerous reasons as to why you or your partner may be infertile. It affects both men and women. According to statistics, approximately 35% of infertility is related to male factors, whereas 50 % is related to female factors, and the remaining 15% of infertility is related to either an unknown cause or a problem with both partners.

The most common female infertility factor is ovulation disorder. Other causes include blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, congenital anomalies involving the structure of the uterus, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and aging.

The most common male infertility factors include azoospermia (no sperm cells are produced) and oligospermia (few sperm cells are produced). Other causes include congenital defect in testicular development; obstructed genital tract caused by infections or congenital anomalies; premature or retrograde ejaculation and impotence.

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) offers the chance of biological parenthood to infertile couples. It is commonly used in infertile couples in which infertility has resulted from tubal factors, mucus abnormalities, male infertility, unexplained infertility, male and female immunologic infertility, and cervical factors.

In IVF, a woman’s eggs are surgically collected from her ovaries and fertilized in the laboratory. After about 40 hours, the fertilized eggs are then placed into her uterus, by-passing the fallopian tubes, and pregnancy proceeds naturally.

In order to maximize the potential for a successful pregnancy with IVF, usually three to four embryos are placed in the uterus. For this reason, fertility drugs are used to induce ovulation prior to the process. After the procedure, the woman is advised to engage in only minimal activity for 12-24 hours.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call (86-21) 5298 6339